Published October 6, 2025

December 2022 Real Estate News

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Written by Owen & Camille Schwaegerle

December 2022 Real Estate News header image.

{original post 12/23/2022}


Hello! Thanks for tuning in to this month’s newsletter. It’s our goal to bring valuable real estate content and local updates to you, so we hope you enjoy it! 😊🏡💛

In this e-newsletter, we will dig deep into listing inventory and the latest with first-time homebuyers. We will also share about upcoming home and design trends, a home maintenance checklist, and how your 2023 real estate goals can become a reality.

The Schwaegerle Team strives to educate and empower all people on the ins and outs of real estate, so thank you for tuning in and following the team on social media! 
Active Listings Are Down in SLO County and Prices Have Stopped Falling 

Prices have definitely softened this year, though less than anticipated. Right now, inventory has started to slide back down. However, there still are not enough homes hitting the market to fill the demand. The inventory constraint is leveling prices out, which is a shift from their previous price decline. If inventory continues to slip backward, we are unlikely to see prices reduce as much as people are hoping. You can view the trends in the graphs and the links attached. 

Rising interest rates have definitely caused prices to come back down this year, and if rates start to climb again, prices are likely to soften more. Lately, rates have slid back down to the low 6% range rather than the higher 7% range we were seeing just one month ago. Many major economists are predicting home prices will slip backward nationally in 2023. However, what happens next will depend on local factors affecting supply. Obviously, if interest rates continue to be hiked then prices are likely to go down more. If you are thinking about making a move in 2023, let’s connect. Every market has nuances to it and with the right game plan, you can still make a smart move!
 
What’s Going on with First-Time Homebuyers?

Recent studies run by the National Association of Realtors show first-time homebuyers dropped to their lowest numbers on record. With higher home prices, bidding wars, and limited inventory, it’s no surprise first-time homebuyers shied away from purchasing this year.

The graph below shows the trend of first-time homebuyers as a percentage of all homebuyers dating from 1981-2022. As you can see from the graph, first-time buyers are at an all-time low at only 26% compared to previous years which were above 30%. 
 


Another obstacle preventing a purchase has been saving for a down payment. With many first-time buyers currently renting and rent prices increasing throughout the year, saving up extra money has been a challenge. Even though it may seem daunting to buy a home, we were able to help 16 first-time buyers over the past year get into homeownership in California. We are so proud of all of those buyers and the hard work they put into achieving their dream! 

Because of our team’s tried and true processes, we were able to meet with each of these clients individually to create a customized game plan to help them get into a home. The right team can help you save a significant amount of time, money, and energy while also simplifying the otherwise overwhelming process of buying. Connect with us today to learn more about how to take the next step in making a move!
Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical Garden

Treat yourself and the entire family to a magical time at the SLO Botanical Garden for Nature Nights! Nature Nights features an immersive outdoor holiday light and art exhibition open Thursday through Sunday with three times to choose from: 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 PM. This experience at the Garden will be available through January 8, 2023, so be sure to check it out before it's gone. Owen, Camille, and Walker loved their time there a couple of weeks ago! 





Christmas Tree Giveaway 

Our team recently did a Christmas tree giveaway, and our lucky winner received a $100 gift card to Holloway’s Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo! 
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in this year’s Christmas tree giveaway! We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


If you’d like to be a part of any upcoming giveaways, be sure to follow our team on Instagram and Facebook: 
@theschwaegerleteam.
Second Annual Fall Food Drive Recap 

A big thank you to every household that participated in our second annual fall food drive! We collected over 80 bags filled with great food that will feed local families for the next few weeks.

Earlier this month, the New Life Food Pantry in Pismo Beach served 160 families in just one week! If you would like to continue donating any extra food, the pantry will gladly accept your contributions. 


Thank you again for taking the time to spread the love this holiday season. We really appreciate your kindness. 


The Schwaegerle Team’s Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
 
Home and Design Trends for 2023 

If you are looking to refresh and spruce up your home this upcoming year, here are the trends to focus on. According to Realtor magazine, sustainable design and warm, cozy spaces are on the rise in 2023 with a few other trends:

1. Home Office Updates
2. Induction Cooking 
3. Eco-friendly Designs 
4. Cozier Comfort 
5. Natural, Personalized Interiors 
6. Dekton and Neolith Surfaces 
7. Affordable Design Choices 
8. Zero Emissions 
9. Walkable, Affordable Boomer Living
10. Fire Resistant Modules 


Just like there are new trends to follow, there are also a few suggestions of design choices to drop, such as high pile carpets, gray cabinets, standard subway tiles, and open cabinets. 


If you’d like to learn more about these suggestions click the link 
here
In Closing…

This year we have helped 51 families achieve their real estate goals, and it goes without saying that we could not have achieved this without your support. Thank you for believing in our family business and letting our team partner with you in your move. It is truly an honor to work with each of you, and we couldn’t be more thankful.

 
The Schwaegerle Team is looking forward to the new year and helping more families achieve their real estate goals. What are your real estate goals for 2023? We want to hear them!
Let's Be Social
Thanks so much for reading our newsletter this month! We want to hear from you! Please let us know how we can support you on your real estate journey. Whether you just purchased a new home, want to explore home-buying options, are curious about what your property might be worth, or just want to know more about the market, please reach out! 

@theschwaegerleteam
@savannahsiador_
@marianovahomes
@closeinslo


You can also follow us on YouTube and Facebook for more updates throughout the month.
Check out our newest listings!

9590 Marchant Ave, Atascadero - 2 bed 2 bath cottage right across from the Atascadero Lake


2350 Nutmeg Ave, Morro Bay - Vacant lot ready for your dream home with ocean views!


110 Hearts Pl, Paso Robles - Active vacation rental generating ~$130K gross annually - 3 bed 2 bath, 2000 SF + home with pool and views!

265 Cheyenne Dr, Paso Robles - 3 bed 2 bath, 2000 SF + home with pool and views!

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